Martlesham learning centre

Green Light Trust (GLT) provide training and support for people suffering mental illness, near woodlands and forestry environments. Natural Building Systems was commissioned to design and manufacture the wall and roof elements for a new building, in an under-used car park adjoining woodland near Martlesham, owned by Suffolk County Council.

The 100m2 scheme is comprised of two separate buildings linked by an external walkway. One half will serve as a training facility while the other, offices for GLT. Having already obtained planning permission, Natural Building Systems worked closely with the client’s team to optimise the design to deliver a breathable, low-embodied carbon, circular solution.

The building was partially completed in August 2023 and GLT are now fundraising to finish internal works including MEP services. The alignment in values between Natural Building Systems and Green Light Trust was manifest in the use of entirely natural, regenerative materials to create a high performing, healthy building.

“Natural Building Systems and their structural engineer’s Simple Works came up with foundation design using crushed concrete, meaning no concrete in our foundations. This is a philosophy that has developed from working with Natural Building Systems Hemp based product and now it has evolved into using no cement on other areas of the build” says Dayle Bayliss, Project Manager and engineer.